Political relations

France enjoys excellent political relations with Australia, founded on commonly held views on most subjects. These relations are now formally enshrined in a strategic partnership between the two countries, signed in January 2012, that paves the way for closer bilateral dialogue in a number of areas, including the political, defence, economic and cultural fields. France’s presence in Oceania (the three Overseas territories of New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis & Futuna) is seen as a major factor contributing to stability in the region.